Living for the Lord - Catechetical Sunday 2002

by Jo Ann Borchert

Through our baptism, we are united in the bond that makes us the Lord’s. Every Christian is called a follower of Christ and lives in a way that is in the footsteps of Jesus. Catechists are called in a special way because it is through their words and deeds that others are introduced to Jesus and learn to love him. A catechist is a person who formally hands on the faith of the church to learners of all ages. It is through the witness of the catechists that what the church teaches and believes is demonstrated. The catechist "lives for the Lord" by awakening, strengthening, and encouraging faith in others. The witness of the catechist is a great gift to the church.

The theme for this year’s Catechetical Sunday is "Living for the Lord;" it is drawn from the scriptures for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A. In the Gospel according to Matthew, Jesus challenges us to forgive someone who wrongs us seventy times seven times, which is unending. We are to reach out to others in a spirit of compassion and mercy. By imitating the example of Jesus we are called to forgive others, care for the poor, visit the sick, and comfort those in grief. We are called to live a life of peace, one that does not sow discord and disrupt friendships. We live this way for our own sake as well as for the community. All three readings stress the context of the community and the importance of forgiveness. We are called to love and serve the Lord with every thought, word, and deed.

Catechetical Sunday will be celebrated in many of the parishes of our diocese on September 15, 2002. Some parishes will choose a different date. Each year we gather with those who are called to be catechists to celebrate their ministry within our parish communities and ask for blessing on them in a commissioning rite. This commissioning and blessing is for adults and adolescents who work with the children, youth, and adults in the ministry of catechesis.

Parents and guardians are also blessed and reminded of their responsibility to nurture the faith of their children. The parish community is also vital to the formation of one another in faith by being living witnesses to their faith each and every day.

Catechists, parents, DRE’s, youth ministers, priests, pastoral leaders, and members of the community are examples of "living for the Lord." They are a step in catechesis especially for the next generation of the church community. We are to help each other know better what it means to live for the Lord.

If you are called to be a catechist, say "yes." God’s grace and the support of the community will be your constant companion.

For further information contact the Office of Religious Education, 1400 6th Street North, New Ulm, MN 56073; (507) 359-2966.

Jo Ann Borchert is director of Religious Education for the Diocese of New Ulm.